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In some cases, an extension to a residential property can be considered to be a permitted development, which does not require a planning application to be submitted. However, it is subject to certain limits and conditions.
What limits and conditions apply?
• If any part of the extension is not higher than the highest part of the roof of the existing property
• If the eaves of the extension are not higher than the eaves of the existing property
• If the materials used in the exterior work are of similar appearance to the existing property
• If any part of the extension does not extend beyond any wall facing a road, if it forms the principal or side elevation of the original property
• If the eaves are no more than 3m in height, if any part of the extension is within 2m of the property boundary
• If an upper floor window on a side elevation within 15m of a boundary with another house is obscure glazed and is non-opening; unless the parts which can be opened are more than 1.7m above the floor of the room in which the window is installed
• If a side extension does not exceed 4m in height or is wider than half the width of the original property.
Does it depend on the dwelling?
In a single-storey extension:
• If the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original house by more than 4m for a detached house, or 3m for any other type of house• If the height of the extension does not exceed 4m
• If no part of the extension is within 3.5m of any property boundary with a road opposite the rear wall of the house.
In an extension with more than one storey:
• If the extension does not extend beyond the rear wall of the original property by more than 3m• If no part of the extension is within 7m of the property boundary opposite the rear wall of the property
• If the roof pitch of the enlargement is as far as practicable the same as that of the original property.
What is the planning law if I live in a listed building?
If you live in a property which is a listed building you will need to apply for a Listed Building Consent for any building operations you wish to carry out. However, if the development is within the curtilage of a listed building, you may need to submit a planning application for the work, unless listed building consent has already been granted.
